An explosives factory has assured residents it is safe after a loud blast was heard for miles around.

The bang was heard on Friday afternoon, across Little Oakley and Dovercourt, with many people fearing there had been a serious incident.

But Exchem Organics, which runs from a site in Great Oakley and caused the explosion, explained there was nothing to worry about.

Operations director John French said: "We do an operation where we burn waste explosive on a daily basis - this is fully and strictly regulated, under controlled conditions and on a remote location.

"Generally speaking it only burns itself out, but occasionally it burns to detonation."

The explosion caused some buildings and windows to shake about 1.10pm, although no property was damaged and no-one was hurt.

The fire service and police were both called, but neither was needed.

Exchem is keen to build good relations with its local community and recently announced plans to have a siren installed in Great and Little Oakley in case of emergency.